Best Friends With Benefits: Anthony Ramos

Four: Important Talks

Ryeli

Anthony cried as he looked over at the table. I'd made a vegetarian meal. Roasted bell pepper soup and stuffed avocado. Something he'd told me was his favorite meal. He walked to me, wrapping his arms around me. "You did this for me?" He asked me. "And you got champagne? How?"

"My parents gave me the bottle of cold champagne." I said.

"Wow...I...wow. Thank you babe."

"I owe you a bottle of cold champagne." I whispered softly as he bent down to kiss my lips.

"You said we need to talk?" Anthony said as we sat down at the table.

"Yeah. Um...I'm going to NYC for my second semester of my senior year. I'm sorry that you just moved from there and now I'm moving to there."

"It's okay, Rye."

"But that's not all. I'm...I'm pregnant." I tell him.

"You are? Ryeli, this is, this is huge!"

"I know it's a lot, Anthony. But I've already decided I'm keeping the baby. Our baby, Anthony. It's our baby."

"That sounds beautiful. Our baby." Anthony pulls me up. "I love you Ryeli. I hope someday you'll do me the favor of becoming my wife."

"Gladly, I would." I smile. "I love you too Anthony."

"Baby. This is amazing. I can't wait to be a father."

"I'm glad to hear that babe."

"Ryeli, my love, when will you go?"

"Right after winter break."

"Then I'm going with you baby girl. I'm going with you."

"But your job!"

"It's fine. I'm going with you."

"Okay. Fine. You're coming with me." I smile and hug him so tight I'm sure we'll both burst.

"Gentle love." Anthony laughs softly. "My wonderful girlfriend."

"I'm far from wonderful, but thank you."

"I'm assuming your parents know?"

"Yes. They know...You know what?"

"What?"

"I'm staying in Vermont until after the baby is born. That's all there is to it."

"Well, Ryeli Oudman-Blackwood, I like how that sounds."